Manchester United needed a miracle to stay in the Champions League and they never looked like pulling it off on Tuesday. Unlike in previous games in this nightmarish Group A campaign, they did not embarrass themselves against Bayern Munich, but they also looked utterly toothless and were finally beaten when Kingsley Coman met Harry Kane’s inch-perfect pass and calmly beat Andre Onana.
This was no masterclass from Kane, but a reminder of his ability to always find a goal, be it for himself or a team-mate. It was a very different story for Rasmus Hojlund, the man United decided to turn to after giving up on their pursuit of the England captain.
The Danish striker looked still very much like a work in progress and couldn’t even manage a shot. His United team-mates were not much better, and the ambling Sofyan Amrabat summed up their troubles.
In the end, even a win would not have kept them in the Champions League as Copenhagen beat Galatasaray, leaving United bottom of Group A and without the Europa League as a consolation prize.
Goalkeeper & Defence
Andre Onana (5/10):
No disasters this time (for a change) but kept kicking it long and out of play.
Diogo Dalot (5/10):
Didn’t do much wrong but didn’t do much right either.
Harry Maguire (6/10):
Made some good blocks but his night ended prematurely with a groin injury. Given a deserved standing ovation when he came off.
Raphael Varane (6/10):
A solid return in his first start for six weeks, which underlined how unwise it was for Ten Hag to sideline him for so long.
Luke Shaw (5/10):
His side of the pitch was too open, although it was still a surprise to see him taken off at half-time. If he’s injured, that’s another huge blow.
Midfield
Sofyan Amrabat (5/10):
Off the pace again and his passing was sloppy. Booked for a foul, one of his few areas of expertise.
Scott McTominay (6/10):
Led the press well, but not very good at linking the play or finding shooting opportunities.
Bruno Fernandes (6/10):
Simultaneously United’s most dangerous player and their most blunt. Had two decent chances in the second half and spurned them both.
Attack
Antony (6/10):
Worked hard but still utterly ineffectual in the key attacking areas.
Rasmus Hojlund (5/10):
Barely saw the ball and had no shots or key passes. Not ideal for your star centre-forward.
Alejandro Garnacho (5/10):
One of few players who showed promise of doing something, but whenever he did beat his man, he was soon dispossessed or outmuscled.
Subs & Manager
Jonny Evans (5/10):
Not a disaster but really shouldn’t be playing at this level.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka (6/10):
Good defensively and offered a semblance of threat going forward.
Facundo Pellistri (5/10):
Only on for 15 minutes and never looked like doing much. His one promising move was halted when he slipped over.
Hannibal Mejbri (5/10):
Not the man you want to be your European saviour.
Kobbie Mainoo (N/A):
Came on in the 80th minute and did fine. Would have been more useful from the start.
Erik ten Hag (5/10):
Got his selection right but his team never looked like breaking Bayern down.
